Tips for Blueberry Picking

Juicy, sun-warmed blueberries picked right off the bush is a summertime delight for the tastebuds. July and August in Michigan is synonymous with Blueberry Picking, and for the last 8 years it’s become a tradition in our family to head to our local U-pick farm. Our favorite spot is Brookside Farms in Paw Paw, MI, if you’re local to Southwest Michigan you can read about our Brookside trip here. Here are some helpful tips we’ve learned over the years.

Supporting local U-Pick farms in your area is simple. Here is a Guide to Southwest Michigan U-pick Blueberries. Also check out PickYourOwn or Local Harvest. They are generally small, family owned farms that pride themselves on their fresh fruits and produce. The prices are usually the best around and cheaper than grocery stores.

Before U Go

• Call ahead or check their Facebook pages to obtain information on payment options, price per lb, organic or spraying methods, hours, confirmation that the berries are ready for picking, and if containers are provided.

• Look for a family-friendly farm that allows children and adults to sample as you pick.

• Start saving up your plastic breathable containers the month prior for berries to transport and store. I prefer containers over the plastic bags provided to avoid squished berries.

• Plan to go early in the morning to avoid the heat.

Most years we’ve had a little one with us. I generally babywear but because of the heat and bucket it made it too complicated. We brought a covered stroller which could be easily moved and positioned in the shade of the bushes.

What To Bring

• Containers for transporting home.

• Wear clothes that can be stained and if you go early morning, wear footwear that can get wet.

• Bring water bottles with ice.

• Most places provide buckets. For hands free picking, tie the bucket with a string around your waist or neck. Another option is wearing a belt to hook through the bucket handle.

• Bring hats, sunscreen and bug spray.

Pick the Tastiest Blueberries

• Only pick ripe blueberries that are plump and dark blue, without any pink. Remember that berries don’t ripen after picking them like other fruits. Ripe berries will easily pull of the stems in clusters by gently rolling them between the thumb and forefingers. Remove any stems as you pick.

• Stay with one bush until you’ve picked it clean to conserve energy and out of consideration for future pickers.

• Lift up lower branches, often the largest clusters of blueberries are hidden and easily overlooked

  Storage

• You can store unwashed blueberries in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.

• Rinse berries gently with cold water right before eating.

  Freeze For Later

• Frozen blueberries are a delicious and healthy snack. In our home we refer to them as healthy candy!

• Gently wash and dry. Spread a single layer of blueberries on a cookie sheets so each berry freezes individually. Once frozen, place in a dated freezer safe bag to enjoy all summer long. Frozen berries last for 1 year in the freezer.

Tastiest Recipes

Blueberries are high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Add them to smoothies, pancakes, muffins and cereals. A favorite treat in our home is Blueberry crumble, try this simple recipe from Inspired Taste.

Expand Your Experience

To expand on the experience try reading one of our favorite children’s book, Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey, about a little girl and her mother’s adventure blueberry picking.

 I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that add no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission to help offset the cost of my blog.